Nanjing, Jiangsu province

Nanjing is a pleasant and beautiful metropolis that was the nation's capital before Beijing. It was also the first capital of the Ming Dynasty as well as several dynasties and kingdoms. Despite this, it's a little overshadowed by Shanghai, just two hours away by high-speed train, as well as Suzhou and Hangzhou. I'd say it's one of the most underrated places in China and a great place to visit, to soak up history, and to commemorate the victims of the massacre conducted by the invading Japanese in 1936.